What's New in P2?

PPRC's monthly news bulletin "What's New in P2?" has been published for over seven years. News items are frequently added to this page, and old stories are removed from the page after several weeks, or the event has been held, respectively. PPRC is pleased to make news headlines available in RSS .

Featured PPRC Resource
P2 News
Upcoming Events

Featured PPRC Resource

2008 PPRC Webinars for P2 Professionals
This year PPRC will be putting on a number of informative webinars for P2 professionals on a variety of topics including Safer Alternatives in Dry Cleaning, Lean/Green 101, Green Chemistry, Energy Efficiency (Beyond the Light bulb) and more!
www.pprc.org/webinars/2008webinars.cfm

Add National P2 News headlines box to your site
The National P2 News box automatically displays the five latest national P2 stories that P2Rx Centers have submitted. The box requires no maintenance from you, it just provides you and your web users with the latest National P2 news!
www.p2rx.org/services/getNewsBox.cfm

P2 News

Seattle officials propose 20-cent grocery-bag fee (05/09/2008)
Next time the cashier says "paper or plastic," think outside the bags. Think about ocean pollution, giant landfills and global warming, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels says.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004324267_bagfee03m.html

Seven Ways To Be Green With Money (05/09/2008)
Financial service providers are picking up the "eco" baton and running with it -- meaning consumers can factor environmental concerns into everything from utility tariffs, tax returns and even mortgages.
www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/48279/story.htm

Stop buying bottled water, Nickels urges Seattleites (05/09/2008)
Seattle residents use the equivalent of about 354,000 pint bottles of water each day. That equals about 41,000 barrels of oil, creating 5,400 tons of greenhouse gases.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004398137_webwater07m.html

Pepsi to Cut Plastic Used in Bottles (05/07/2008)
PepsiCo Inc. is reducing the amount of plastic it uses in bottles of some nonsoda drinks, in the latest move by beverage companies to appeal to consumers concerned about environmental waste and global warming.
online.wsj.com/article/SB121004395479169979.html

B.C. Scientists Look Into Microalgae for Fuel (05/06/2008)
B.C. scientists are investigating the concept of harvesting microalgae for fuel -- a process with the potential to supply 100 per cent of B.C.'s diesel needs.
www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/business/story.html?id=14cb51b5-e11e-4eac-b7aa-
061fbd249dfc

Ontario to Ban Sale and Use of Garden Pesticides (05/05/2008)
Ontario said on Tuesday that it will ban the sale and general use of pesticides in what the province said would be among the toughest such environmental laws in North America.
www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN2230772320080422?sp=true

Lean And Clean With Green Purchasing (05/04/2008)
For years, sourcing and procurement organizations have focused on perfecting lean business processes, guided by the fundamentals of strategy, size, management, and financial performance. But now the collective resources, regulations, and reputations of companies are at stake around the world. Current world population is outpacing resources and fostering concern about the social responsibilities of companies for fair labor practices, ethics, and environmental impacts.
www.environmentalleader.com/2008/04/27/lean-and-clean-with-green-purchasing/

PPRC Webinar on Spray Paint Efficiency: Techniques that Technical Assistance Providers Can Teach (05/01/2008)
This webinar will provide P2 Technical Assistance Providers with an opportunity to learn how to identify opportunities to improve the overall efficiency of manual spray coating operations by enhancing the techniques of painters. The information presented in this webinar draws on the fundamental techniques that are offered in the Spray Technique Analysis and Research (STAR®) training developed by the Iowa Waste Reduction Center.
pprc.org/webinars/2008webinars.cfm

The Future of Energy: A Special Report (04/28/2008)
It's going to take a lot more than changing lightbulbs to get us on the path to sustainability. We investigate the options (solar? nuclear? cow poop?), what's hype, what's really happening, and who's standing in the way of change.
www.motherjones.com/toc/2008/05/index.html

A Hard Plastic Is Raising Hard Questions (04/22/2008)
Are toxic plastics lurking in your kitchen? It's a question many families are asking after reports last week that a chemical used to make baby bottles, water bottles and food containers is facing increasing scrutiny by health officials in Canada and the United States.
www.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/health/22well.html?_r=2&ref=health&oref=slogin&oref=s
login

Iceland's energy answer comes naturally (04/22/2008)
For tourists relaxing in the hot springs of Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon, just outside the capital Reykjavik, the issues of climate change and energy security are not likely to be occupying most bathers' minds. But what many visitors may be surprised to know is that the hot water they are sitting in is part of a remarkable journey by one country from oil dependence to a world leader in harnessing renewable energy.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/22/renewableenergy.alternativeenergy?gus
rc=rss&feed=technology

Feds Not Addressing Drugs in Water (04/13/2008)
A White House task force that was supposed to devise a federal plan to research the issue of pharmaceuticals in drinking water has missed its deadline and failed to produce mandated reports and recommendations for coordination among numerous federal agencies, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
www.bnd.com/living/health/story/309255.html

Upcoming Events

May 12, 2008
Global Warming and Product Stewardship (On-line)

Global warming has been recognized by many as the most pressing environmental issue facing the world today. In this networking call, we will make the connection between product stewardship initiatives and climate change. On this call, Sara Hartwell from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and David Allaway from the OR Department of Environmental Quality will discuss how climate change can be addressed through waste management and recycling activities, the role that key stakeholders and consumers can play in implementing these practices, and the tools for tracking and analyzing emissions.
productstewardship.us/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=349

May 15, 2008
PPRC Webinar on Spray Paint Efficiency: Techniques that Technical Assistance Providers Can Teach (Webinar)

This webinar will provide P2 Technical Assistance Providers with an opportunity to learn how to identify opportunities to improve the overall efficiency of manual spray coating operations by enhancing the techniques of painters. The information presented in this webinar draws on the fundamental techniques that are offered in the Spray Technique Analysis and Research (STAR®) training developed by the Iowa Waste Reduction Center.
pprc.org/webinars/2008webinars.cfm

May 14-15, 2008
West Coast Energy Management Congress (Seattle, WA)

The West Coast Energy Management Congress (EMC) is the largest energy conference and technology expo held on the U.S. west coast specifically for business, industrial and institutional energy users. It brings together experts in all areas of the field to help participants set a path to both energy cost control and energy supply security by exploring promising new technologies, comparing energy supply and alternative energy options, and learning about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies.
www.aeecenter.org/emc

June 16, 2008
Manufacturer Role in Product Stewardship (On-line)

In recent years, many manufacturers have been under pressure from both consumers and the government to implement product stewardship initiatives, such as manufacturing environmentally friendly products, reducing the carbon footprint of the supply chain, and taking responsibility for their products at end of life. Representatives from several manufacturing firms, including Gray's Harbor Paper, Seventh Generation, and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters will be on the call to describe current efforts to green their products and manufacturing processes, and discuss the changing role of manufacturers' overall responsibility for their products.
productstewardship.us/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=344

May 17, 18, 2008
Idaho Green Expo (Boise, ID)

The Idaho Green Expo will be a free, two day annual event that will showcase environmentally friendly products and services, and provide information that will help people to lead healthier and more sustainable lives. The goal of the Expo is to improve both the quality of our environment and the quality of our lives.
www.idahogreenexpo.org/default.asp

May 20, 2008
The Paperless Meeting: Communicate, Market and Sponsor Green (On-line)

Maybe you've taken steps to green your meeting - but are you ready to go completely paperless? From selecting a site that can assist in your green efforts to marketing your event and even considering sponsor collateral, Nancy Wilson, CMP, will discuss how green practices can be used to reduce waste while still conducting a successful meeting that meets your objectives.
www.pcma.org/x147.xml?events=x3201

May 20-22, 2008
CleanMed 2008 (Pittsburg, PA)

Join us for CleanMed 2008, the Global Conference on Environmentally Sustainable Health Care
www.cleanmed.org/

May 22, 2008
Ecosystem Markets: Taking Action (Portland, OR)

This conference will provide a working understanding of current developments in Ecosystem Services Markets -- especially in the Northwest -- and create a networking opportunity for environmental professionals and others interested in this tool for promoting ecosystem integrity. Leading experts will cover the role of markets in environmental protection, the state of ecosystem markets, market mechanisms that work, buyers & market potential, sellers & market opportunities, and what's next in market development.
www.sporg.com/registration?link_type=reg_info&form_id=102381&view_type=windowed

May 28, 2008
EcoMarkets 2008 Release (Webinar)

A free webcast presenting highlights of EcoMarkets 2008, RPN and terrachoice's annual report on the social and environmental attitudes and practices of North American institutional buyers.
www2.gotomeeting.com/register/699480602

May 30, 2008
Public-Private Partnerships for Water- and Airshed Sustainability (Portland, OR)

Joshua Proudfoot presents a one-day workshop that will focus on development of public/private partnerships in order to achieve sustainability goals.
sustain.uoregon.edu

June 3-4, 2008
Corporate Climate Management Strategies (Boston, MA)

From performing a Greenhouse Gas inventory to evaluating & selecting management strategies, this workshop will focus on best practices in data management, key metrics and corporate best practices for reducing an organization's carbon footprint. Sessions will be structured to give attendees practical, step-by-step knowledge on a range of issues including how to select renewable energy credit and carbon offset providers and effectively participate in a carbon trading framework. Sessions will also provide attendees with an understanding of likely national and global regulatory developments around greenhouse gas and examine a range of leading companies' GHG management strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to come together with practitioners, policy makers, and stakeholders to share resources and best practices and come away with an understanding of how to design and implement effective GHG management programs for your organization.
www.naem.org/events.html

June 5, 2008
Sustainability Using The Natural Step Framework (Portland, OR)

This one-day program, presented in two parts, is designed to introduce business, government, and community leaders to sustainability and The Natural Step framework. In the morning, a presentation will define sustainability and present the basic principles of The Natural Step (TNS) framework including the science behind the framework model and case studies. Attendees will participate in small group exercises around the four principles and learn how to apply the framework in the creation of a business product and service.
events@ortns.org

June 6, 2008
Management Systems for Sustainability (Portland, OR)

Peter Dubois presents a one-day workshop exploring use of an Environmental Management System (EMS) framework, ISO 14001 third party auditing as well as the possibility of forming partnerships to trade in-house external auditing responsibilities.
sustain.uoregon.edu

June 12-13, 2008
Green By Design ()

The conference is being created to fill an unmet need in the marketplace for deep insights and best practices on building sustainability into the product development process.
www.greenbydesign08.com/.

June 20, 2008
Sustainability Indicators and Assessment for Government (Portland, OR)

Presenter Joshua Skov offers a one-day workshop providing an overview of key issues related to selecting sustainability indicators and conducting an assessment in your municipality, agency or other government entity.
sustain.uoregon.edu

June 18-21, 2008
Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) Forum (Boulder, CO)

An annual event that focuses on the expansion of conscious business practices, market awareness and strategic business partnerships. The goal of LOHAS is to educate, shape and influence consumer purchasing decisions while promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles.
www.lohas.com/forum/

June 27, 2008
Next Carbon Steps: Climate Action Planning for Complex Organizations (Portland, OR)

Presenter Joshua Skov offers a one-day workshop providing tools for developing climate action strategies. The session builds on the earlier Carbon Footprints and Climate Risk workshop and will address planning for individual and sheared emissions reductions as well as evaluating options for purchasing offsets.
sustain.uoregon.edu

June 30, 2008
Spreading the Word on Product Stewardship (On-line)

Outreach and education are essential tools for successfully implementing product stewardship initiatives. Spreading the word about product stewardship increases awareness and promotes action among consumers, producers, policy-makers, and government agencies. This call will discuss why we should be concerned and what we can do. We'll talk about how to educate consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and others about efforts underway and opportunities currently available. Representatives from the Product Stewardship Institute, Earth911, the Product Policy Institute, and the Northwest Product Stewardship Council will discuss current promotional efforts and initiatives to bring others on board the product stewardship movement.
productstewardship.us/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=348

July 17-18, 2008
Lean and Green Summit (Boulder, CO)

This summit will gather industry professionals already making strides toward sustainability and those who want to start making the short-term and long-term changes needed. This first Summit will be a highly collaborative, hands-on event with a focus on solutions that can be actuated.
www.leanandgreensummit.com

August 3-7, 2008
StormCon, the North American Surface Water Quality Conference & Exposition (Orlando, FL)

StormCon is where you will find the latest stormwater program management and BMPs performance case studies, research, technology, and services--in an unparalleled education and training setting for anyone involved in surface-water quality.
www.stormcon.com/sc.html

October 26-29, 2008
2008 National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference (Denver, CO)

The National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference has been welcoming leaders in the renewable energy industry for over a decade. Each year power marketers, renewable energy developers, retail and wholesale green power suppliers, electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, government agencies, energy consultants and nonprofit experts gather to listen to their peers present on the major issues facing the industry.
www.renewableenergymarketing.net

November 19-21, 2008
Greenbuild International Conference and Expo (Boston, MA)

Join us at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston November 19-21, 2008. Buildings play a critical role in protecting and improving our environment and the health of the people who occupy them. USGBC's Greenbuild conference and expo is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they share insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.
www.greenbuildexpo.org/

December 8-9, 2008
Northwest Environmental Conference & Trade Show (Portland, OR)

The Northwest Environmental Conference (NWEC) is the largest, most comprehensive environmental conference & tradeshow in the Pacific Northwest. NWEC's goal is to provide Northwest businesses, agencies and other organizations with high-quality, low-cost environment training, information, discussion and networking opportunities. The 2008 Conference continues a 20 year tradition of providing a forum encouraging environmental excellence throughout the Pacific Northwest. This year's conference will feature field trips, hands-on demonstrations and early-bird workshops in addition to consistently relevant conference sessions and abundant networking opportunities.
www.nwec.org/

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